An Ecological Investigation of the Ichthyofauna in the Deep Fork River, Central Oklahoma: 1976 to 1996

Between 1976 and 1996 the fish of the Deep Fork River were sampled at three sites. A total of 163,358 specimens from 36 species was taken. To determine if changes had occurred since 1976 as a result of modifications in the aquatic environment, the fish communities at each of the three sampling stations were compared. Three periods during which well defined environmental changes that resulted in changes in the quality and quantity of the water were identified. Alterations of the fish community parameters were most pronounced during periods of poor water quality; dam construction; and long-term, regulated flows from an impoundment. The changing patterns of the community characteristics during this 21 yr period are summarized with special emphasis on their connection with certain changes in the aquatic habitat of the river. Significant temporal trends occurred in the number of species (P=0.01); mean number of Lepomis megalotis, Gambusia affinis, Cyprinella lutrensis; number of specimens for collections; mean biotic index (P≤0.01); and mean number of Centrarchidae. Significant (P≤0.05) spatial trends occurred in number of species; mean number of Gambusia affinis and Cyprinella lutrensis, mean number of specimens for collection, and mean number of centrarchidae The Interaction between site and time was significant (P=0.001) in mean number of L. megalotis (P=0.001), mean biotic index (P=0.001), and mean number of centrarchids (P=0.001). ©1998 Oklahoma Academy of Science